Get ready to experience the hottest event of the year! Battle Bonfire is back, and it’s sure to be a night to remember. Join the enthusiastic crowd as they light up the town with a torchlit procession that winds its way to the huge bonfire. The bonfire is a sight to behold, and it’s sure to warm you up as you take in the spectacular fireworks display that lights up the sky.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! There’s plenty of excitement to be had throughout the night, with live music, fairground rides, and food and drink stalls to keep you energized. Bring your friends and family along to enjoy this unforgettable event, which promises to be a highlight of the season. So grab your coat, and get ready to dance, sing and make memories that will last a lifetime at the Battle Bonfire event!
Below is a summary of all the information you need for this year’s event. If you need any more information, please check our website before contacting us.
We are all volunteers, so we may not be able to respond to your questions straight away. If the information is included here, we will direct you to this anyway.
Please also note that we will not be monitoring our social media profiles on Saturday, November 2nd.
Event timings:
06:00am – A maroon signals the start of Bonfire Day.
10.00am – The Church Bells will signal the arrival of ‘The Oldest Guy in the World’ on the Abbey Green accompanied by Saxon Warriors and a children’s procession. The information and souvenir stalls are open.
10.30am – Judging of the Children’s Guy and Fancy Dress Competition on the Abbey Green by BBB President.
6.00pm – Roads close.
7.45pm – A maroon will signal the departure of the procession from Market Road.
9.15pm (approx) Lighting of the bonfire followed by the firework display
Safety information:
It is important that you know what to expect when attending our event. Please check that you are happy to attend and ensure that you take responsibility for your own safety. Battle bonfire isn’t simply a firework display. If you just want to watch a firework display, our event may not be the best one for you.
There is no dedicated public viewing area for the bonfire celebrations which take place on the High Street.
Battle Bonfire is a traditional event and is not deemed suitable for young children or those with a nervous disposition.
The streets will be crowded, smoky, and you will be close to fire and loud fireworks during the event.
We advise against trying to view the procession within the area surrounding the Abbey Green.
Do not bring any of your own fireworks Do not pick up discarded torches.
Due to crowd numbers and high curbs, we advise the event is not suitable for pushchairs
Follow ALL marshal instructions.
Please ensure you carry any necessary medical supplies, such as asthma inhalers.
Road closure
Please note our road closure operates from 6pm until midnight along the following roads:
Powdermill Lane, High Street, Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Market Road, Battle Hill & Station Approach.
There is strictly NO PARKING along the procession route. Any cars left will be removed and kept overnight at the car owner’s expense.
Charity collection:
Please do give generously to our official collectors. Every penny collected on the night is given away to local good causes. Our collection is cash only.
All of our official collectors will be wearing a collectors badge and a BBB bucket. This ensures that your donation goes to a good cause and not to a chancer!
If you would like to help us raise even more money for local good causes by collecting on the night, please get in touch. Last year we raised over £3000! Thank you!
Loud bangs
There will be loud bangs throughout the day on November 2nd. These could be due to the BBB Fireworks crew test firing or other parts of our celebrations.
Parking:
There is no dedicated parking for this event.
If parking on the road, please park respectfully and do not block residents’ drives or access routes.
There is strictly no parking along the procession route.
Any cars left will be removed and kept overnight at the car owner’s expense.
Viewing the fireworks.
There is no dedicated viewing area for the event, and the area around the Abbey Green (where the bonfire is) gets very crowded and uncomfortable for viewing the fireworks.
We advise not to gather in this area but to move to the top of the High Street and view the display from the comfort of the car park in Market Road.
This will allow you to get a great view of the aerial firework display without any of the discomfort of trying to view it from the High Street.
This area also has accessible routes to and from the High Street for wheelchair users
Procession Route
A maroon will signal the departure of the procession from Market Road which will proceed down the High Street and Lower Lake to the Station Approach.
Turning at Station Approach and returning to the Abbey Green BBB will enter the Abbey Gatehouse to keep the traditional involvement of Battle Abbey within the celebrations. Having turned within the Abbey, BBB will exit onto the Abbey Green where individual fireworks will be set off in memory of past members and friends. BBB and our visiting societies will make their way back up the high street where they will turn at the Roundabout.
Making its way back down the High Street the procession will return to the Abbey Green where the bonfire will be lit to the traditional cry and the firework display will commence.
First Aid
First Aid is situated in the Church Hall next to St Mary’s Church
Lost and Found persons
Our Lost and Found area is also in the Church Hall
Weather
It is very unlikely that the weather would entirely cancel our event. If it is raining, we suggest wearing a coat. Any cancellation announcement will be posted on Facebook.
Pets
Please leave all pets safely at home.
Cash Machines
Battle has limited cash machines, so we suggest bringing cash with you.
Finally, enjoy the night for what it is: A traditional bonfire celebration that has happened for hundreds of years.
